The Batavia Village Police Department is equipping its offices with standard issue sidearms.
Chief Michael Gardner said having all officers equipped with the same firearms improves effectiveness and safety.
“It’s something the department had years ago, and it’s something we should be doing now,” Gardner told then Village Council at its September meeting.
He said the officers now carry their own personal firearms, a practice begun when the village was short of funds several years ago.
The chief said equipping all his police officers with the same model weapon would be important if they ever had an emergency in which they needed to fire their weapons and might need to share ammunition. In addition, he said, having the same equipment simplifies inventories and training.
“The safety and the effectiveness of our police officers is a critically important responsibility,” said Mayor John Thebout.
Gardner is ordering 15 pistols and 12 holsters. The village has four full-time, two part-time and six auxiliary officers, a current contingent of 12. The department will reuse some holsters and will have weapons for spares and replacements.
“It’s within our budget, and it will help us be a more effective department,” Gardner said.
The and holsters will cost less than $7,000 total, Gardner said.
The Village Council endorsed the purchase unanimously.